Pneumatic feed and separation system, substrate handling system, method for pneumatic feeding and separation of flat substrates, computer program product, memory medium

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a pneumatic feed and separation system ( 1 ) for flat substrates ( 3 ) such as papers and the like in a stack ( 5, 5′, 5″ ), and to a corresponding method. The system has: a rear edge separating apparatus ( 10 ) for separation of a top substrate ( 3 ) from the stack ( 5, 5′, 5″ ) in the area of the rear edge ( 9 ) of the stack ( 5, 5′, 5″ ) in the transport direction ( 7 ), a transport apparatus ( 20 ) for the top substrate ( 3 ) in the area of the front edge ( 8 ) of the stack ( 5, 5′, 5″ ) in the transport direction ( 7 ), and a control unit ( 30 ). In order to ensure automatic adjustment of the system, in particular automatically optimized operation of the system, the invention provides that the rear edge apparatus ( 10 ) and/or the transport apparatus ( 20 ) comprise/comprises an automatically controllable pneumatic system—in particular with a compressed-air-based separating unit and a suction-air-based separating unit, in particular an automatically controllable separating mechanism with a restraint function for substrates below the top substrate ( 3 ), in particular a suction-air-based transport unit—and an automatically controllable motor system. The control unit ( 30 ) is designed for automatic presetting of substrate-dependent parameter information—in particular at least for the compressed-air-based separating unit, for the suction-air-based separating unit, for the separating mechanism, for the separating motor system and for the transport unit—and the associated pneumatic system and/or motor system are/is designed for automatic adjustment thereof on the basis of the parameter information.

The invention relates to a pneumatic feed and separation system for flatsubstrates such as papers and the like in a stack, having: a rear edgeseparating apparatus for separation of a top substrate from the stack inthe area of the rear edge of the stack in the transport direction, atransport apparatus for the top substrate in the area of the front edgeof the stack in the transport direction, a control unit. The inventionalso relates to a method for pneumatic feeding and separation of flatsubstrates such as papers and the like from a stack using a pneumaticfeed and separation system, in particular having a feed and separationsystem, as mentioned above, with a top substrate being separated fromthe stack in the area of the rear edge of the stack in the transportdirection, and the top substrate being transported in the area of thefront edge of the stack in the transport direction. The invention alsorelates to a computer program product and a memory medium.

Pneumatic feed and separation systems of the type mentioned initiallyhave been found to be advantageous in particular in the high-speed feedand separation area, in particular for rectangular substrates in theform of sheets. These make it possible to feed and separate sheetthicknesses of between 0.06 mm and 0.4 mm and with a weight betweenabout 40 and 360 gr/m² and format sizes of 11.5″×12″ (US letter size) upto 350 mm×508 mm (BB format) at a throughput rate of up to 20 000substrates or sheets per hour. These are used in all substrate handlingareas, for example for copying, printing or scanning systems. Thesubstrates are normally stored in the form of a stack with a height ofup to several tens of centimeters, are fed to the feed and separationsystem, and are then transported to a subsequent substrate handlingappliance.

A pneumatic feed and separation system of the type mentioned initiallyis disclosed in DE 34 47 331. This achieves the throughput ratesmentioned initially with a quite satisfactory quality, in its own right.However, the system must be manually set to a specific substrate typebefore operation and, depending on the environmental conditions, must beset to the characteristic of a specific substrate. This has been foundto be time-consuming and possibly susceptible to errors since a notinconsiderable number of adjustment parameters must be adjustedmanually. This relates in particular to the rear edge separatingapparatus.

It is known from US 2002/0140157 for the height of a paper stackrelative to a separating pneumatic system to be monitored with a sensor.In principle, this makes it easier to adjust a system of the typementioned initially. Further improvement beyond this in the pneumaticfeed and separation system mentioned initially is, nevertheless,desirable.

This is the point of the invention, whose object is to provide anapparatus, in particular a pneumatic feed and separation system, forflat substrates such as papers and the like from a stack, which isadvantageously also suitable for the high-speed range and the substratesmentioned initially, and in which adjustment is simplified, inparticular with initial adjustment prior to operation being simplified,and with the operation being optimized. A further object of theinvention is to simplify a method for pneumatic feeding and separationof flat substrates such as papers and the like from a stack using apneumatic feed and separation system, in particular relating toadjustment, preferably simplification of initial adjustment beforeoperation, and/or optimization of operation. A further aim is to specifyan appropriately improved substrate handling system.

With regard to the method, the object is achieved by the invention bymeans of a method of the type mentioned initially in which, according tothe invention, the top substrate is separated and/or transportedpneumatically, preferably on the basis of compressed air and suctionair. Substrates below the top substrate are preferably restrained. Thestated method steps are carried out automatically and by motor control.For this purpose, substrate-dependent parameter information ispredetermined at least for the pneumatic, preferablycompressed-air-based and suction-air-based, separation and preferablyfor the restraint, and the pneumatic feed and separation system isautomatically adjusted, by motor control, on the basis of the parameterinformation.

With regard to the apparatus, the object is achieved by the invention bymeans of a pneumatic feed and separation system as mentioned initiallyin which, according to the invention, the rear edge separating apparatusand/or the transport apparatus comprise/comprises an automaticallycontrollable pneumatic system—preferably a separating pneumatic systemwith a compressed-air-based separating unit and a suction-air-basedseparating unit, and preferably an automatically controllable separatingmechanism with a restraint function for substrates below the topsubstrate—and an automatically controllable motor system. Furthermore,the control unit is designed for automatic presetting ofsubstrate-dependent parameter information for the pneumatic system andthe motor system, preferably at least for the compressed-air-basedseparating unit, for the suction-air-based separating unit, for theseparating mechanism and for the separating motor system. The associatedpneumatic system and/or the motor system are/is designed for automaticadjustment at least thereof, that is to say preferably of at least thecompressed-air-based separating unit, of the suction-air-basedseparating unit, of the separating mechanism and of the separating motorsystem, on the basis of the parameter information.

The invention also leads to a substrate handling system, in particular adeformation system, a copying and/or printing and/or scanning system,having a feed and separation system according to the invention. Adeformation, cutting and stamping system relates in particular to asystem (creasing system) for controlled bending or creasing ofsubstrates, in particular at their edges. It is also possible todeliberately shape substrates, including three-dimensional shaping, forexample in order to produce book jackets or folding bags.

The invention is based on the idea that a major simplification in theadjustment process for a system of the type mentioned initially can beachieved by automatic adjustment of it. In this case, the invention hasidentified that, for effective simplification of the adjustment processand at the same time in order to achieve a state in which the feed andseparation system is in practice ready to operate, it is possible in asurprising manner to design the pneumatic system and/or the motor systemsuch that it can be controlled automatically for the rear edgeseparating apparatus and/or the transport apparatus. In particular, thepneumatic system can be provided with an automatically controllablecompressed-air-based separating unit and with an automaticallycontrollable suction-air-based separating unit, and an automaticallycontrollable separating mechanism can be provided with a restraintfunction for substrates under the top substrate, and an automaticallycontrollable separating motor system. This concept for the inventionensures that the system is ready for operation after the adjustmentprocess, depending on the available substrate or paper. For thispurpose, according to the concept of the invention, the control unit isable to preset substrate-dependent, in particular paper-dependent,parameter information for the pneumatic system and the motor system, inparticular at least for the compressed-air-based separating unit, forthe suction-air-based separating unit, for the separating mechanism andfor the separating motor system. The parameter information can for thispurpose be stored in the system, or can be loaded in the system, forexample in the form of a selection table, in which a specific substrateor paper type is associated with corresponding parameter information inthe form of a set of adjustment parameters for the units mentionedabove. According to the concept of the invention, the pneumatic systemand the motor system for the system itself are at least partiallydesigned for automatic adjustment on the basis of the parameterinformation. In particular, at least the compressed-air-based separatingunit, the suction-air-based separating unit, the separating mechanismand the separating motor system are designed for automatic adjustment onthe basis of the parameter information.

The concept of the invention has the major advantage that an adjustmentprocess for the system is very considerably simplified. In particular,the concept of the invention means that there is in practice no need forany prior adjustment process for the system. For example, afterselection of a specific substrate type or paper type, the entire initialadjustment of the rear edge separating apparatus is virtually completelyautomated. Instead of the adjustment processes which normally have to becarried out manually, the pneumatic system and the motor system of thesystem itself based on the concept of the invention are designed forautomatic adjustment on the basis of the parameter information. In otherwords, the system can be booted and/or started and preset, according tothe concept of the invention, on a substrate-dependent, in particularpaper-dependent basis, and is then in a ready-to-operate state in whichvirtually no further manual adjustment processes need preferably becarried out. In an exceptional situation or other situations, the systemadvantageously nevertheless ensures a manual adjustment capability.

Advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the dependentclaims and specify, in detail, advantageous options for implementationof the concept explained above for the purposes of this object, as wellas further advantages relating to it.

According to one preferred development of the invention, the transportapparatus has an automatically controllable transport pneumatic systemwith a suction-air-based transport unit for the top substrate. Thisallows the transport apparatus to be adjusted automatically, in additionto the rear edge separating apparatus. The suction-air-based transportunit preferably has a suction drum and/or some other suction-air-poweredtransport pneumatic system. The transport pneumatic system is preferablyassociated with a motor system, which can likewise be adjusted in anautomated form. Furthermore, a transport motor system which canadditionally be controlled automatically can advantageously be provided,for example so-called extraction rollers.

The compressed-air-based separating unit preferably has at least one,that is to say a number of loosening nozzles, and/or at least one, thatis to say a number of separating nozzles. Separation of the topsubstrate can be achieved in a particularly advantageous manner byfitting a separating nozzle above one or the number of looseningnozzles. A separating nozzle makes it possible to ensure that an aircushion is produced between the top substrate, which has been loosenedby a loosening nozzle, on the one hand and the substrates locatedunderneath it, on the other hand.

The suction-air-based separating unit which, in particular, has alifting function, preferably has at least one, that is to say a numberof suction cups or suction caps, and/or other suction means which, inparticular, are in the form of pans. The top substrate can thereforeadvantageously be raised in order to separate it from the stack. Aseparating unit is preferably in each case associated with acorresponding mechanism and/or motor system for controllable adjustmentand further operation in an automated form.

The separating mechanism preferably has at least one sprung separatingelement, preferably a leaf spring, which is able to restrain the furthersubstrates once the top substrate has been raised beyond the resistanceof the leaf spring. This makes it possible to prevent so-called multiplefeeds.

The stack is preferably arranged on a lifting table.

For transmission of the parameter information for the initial adjustmentat least to the compressed-air-based separating unit, to thesuction-air-based separating unit, to the separating mechanism and tothe separating motor system, the feed and separation system has controllines which are connected in particular to the control unit and arepreferably part of a bus system. For this purpose, the control unit, thepneumatic system and the motor system have appropriate interfaces forcoupling of a control line. This allows data transmission in aneffective expedient manner, matched to the requirement, between thecontrol unit and the pneumatic system and motor system to be controlled.

The parameter information is preferably stored in a memory module. Inparticular, this is variable parameter information which is stored in anaccessible memory module. This has the advantage that parameterinformation can be adapted and changed in the memory module depending onthe environmental conditions, for example during operation.

The feed and separation system preferably has an operator unit, which inparticular is connected to the control unit, in particular for selectionand/or variation of the substrate type, in particular of the paper type,and/or of the parameter information. This has the advantage that thisallows selection of, modification to or addition to parameterinformation both manually and by the control unit, for example theaddition of new substrate types or the like. For example, the parameterinformation can be made available at the operator unit as a selectiontable.

The feed and separation system preferably has a monitoring sensor systemwhich is connected in particular to the control unit, in particular asubstrate path sensor and/or a multiple pulling-in sensor. This ispreferably used for monitoring of the feed and/or separation operation.In principle, one development of the invention provides for thecapability for feed and/or separation operation to be controlledspecifically, to be precise by parameter information being adapted forexample by feeding the values determined by the monitoring sensor systemto the control unit, for example in such a way that the throughput ofthe feed and separation system is increased. If required, the throughputcan also be reduced, for example in a situation in which the aim ismatching to handling systems which have a lower throughput. By way ofexample, this may be a printer or the like.

In one particularly preferred development of the invention, thesubstrate-dependent, in particular paper-dependent, parameterinformation is based on the substrate type, in particular paper type. Inthe simplest case, this means that specific parameter information foradjustment of the system can be made available by the control unitrelating to the selection of a substrate, in particular a paper type,defined, for example, by the manufacturer. For example, parameterinformation associated with a specific substrate type or paper type canbe stored in a selection table.

Furthermore, it has been found to be advantageous for thesubstrate-dependent, in particular paper-dependent, parameterinformation to be based on the substrate characteristic, in particularthe paper characteristic, that is to say in addition to or as analternative to parameter information which, for example, is stored in aselection table and is associated with a specific substrate type, orpaper type, it is also possible to provide parameter informationrelating to the substrate characteristic, in particular the papercharacteristic. This allows the system to be adjusted such that it ismatched to the specific environmental conditions. Preferredcharacteristics of the substrate or of the paper are selected from thegroup comprising: weight, in particular weight per unit area (g/m²),thickness, in particular paper thickness, bending strength, surfaceroughness, ripple, static and/or dynamic friction values, length, width,temperature, moisture.

In one particularly preferred development of the invention, the feed andseparation system has a corresponding sensor system for recording of oneor more parameters relating to the characteristics of the substrate.

For the purposes of one particularly preferred development, theparameter information comprises adjustment parameters which are selectedfrom the group comprising:

airflow rate and/or distance between the compressed-air-based separatingunit, in particular pressure and/or lateral and/or upper distance,between the compressed-air-based separating unit and the stack,

airflow rate and/or distance between the suction-air-based separatingunit, in particular pressure and/or upper distance, between thesuction-air-based separating unit and the stack,

distance between the mechanical separating unit, in particular heightand/or lateral distance, between the mechanical unit separating and thestack.

The above-mentioned adjustment parameters have been found to beparticularly critical, and can be measured well at the same time. Theyare advantageously used for adjustment of the system on the basis of theconcept according to the invention. Surprisingly, it has been found thatthe adjustment of these adjustment parameters ensures completeadjustment of the system. In particular, the system can be controlledcompletely automatically by regulation of these adjustment parameters,with virtually no further manual actions.

Furthermore, it has been found to be advantageous for the parameterinformation to comprise further adjustment parameters, which are chosenfrom the group comprising:

height of a lifting table, in particular height of the substratessituated on the lifting table to a sensor positioned absolutely,

distance, in particular the upper and/or lateral distance, between therear edge separating apparatus and the stack,

distance between a stack side holder and the stack.

According to one of the two above-mentioned developments, the feed andseparation system preferably has a sensor system for recording one ormore of the adjustment parameters, in particular distance measurementdevices, height sensors, air-pressure and airflow rate sensors.

For the purposes of one particularly preferred development, the feed andseparation system has a regulation module, which is connected inparticular to the control unit, for demand-dependent adaptation of theparameter information and/or readjustment of adjustment parameters, inparticular of at least the compressed-air-based separating unit, thesuction-air-based separating unit, of the separating mechanism and ofthe separating motor system during feed and/or separation operation.This has advantages if the environmental conditions do change, inparticular if the sensor system mentioned above detects a change in oneenvironmental condition. This also has advantages if the feed andseparation power changes, in particular if the sensor system mentionedabove detects a change in the feed and separation power. The regulationmodule allows adaptation of the parameter information during operation,and this adaptation can still be used for further operation runs insimilar environmental conditions or power states. The system can bereadjusted automatically during operation.

Further advantageous developments of the invention relating to themethod can be found in the dependent claims and, in detail, indicateadvantageous options for implementation of the method according to theexplained concept for the purposes of the objective, as well as furtheradvantages relating to this. The invention also covers a computerprogram product for carrying out the method, and a memory medium.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in thefollowing text with reference to the drawing. The aim of the drawing isnot necessarily to illustrate the exemplary embodiments to scale but infact the drawing is in a schematic and/or slightly distorted form, inorder to explain the invention. With regard to supplements to theteaching which can be identified directly from the drawing, reference ismade to the relevant prior art. In this case, it should be rememberedthat many modifications and changes can be implemented with regard tothe form and the detail of an embodiment without departing from thegeneral idea of the invention. The features of the invention asdisclosed in the description, in the drawing and in the claims may besignificant to the development of the invention both individually and inany given combination. The general idea of the invention is notrestricted to the exact form or the detail of the preferred embodimentillustrated and described in the following text nor is it restricted toa subject matter which would be restricted in comparison to the subjectmatter claimed in the claims. When dimension ranges are stated, valueswithin the stated limits are also intended to be disclosed as limitvalues, and then used and claimed as required.

In order to assist understanding of the invention, one preferredembodiment of the invention will now be explained with reference to thefigures of the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1: shows a system illustration of one particularly preferredembodiment of a pneumatic feed and separation system according to theconcept of the invention;

FIG. 2: shows a schematic detailed illustration of one particularlypreferred embodiment of the pneumatic feed and separation systemaccording to the concept of the invention;

FIG. 3: shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4.1 to FIG. 4.6: show operating states of the pneumatic feed andseparation system as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, during loading of thepaper stack, before feed and separation operation;

FIG. 5.1 to FIG. 5.3: show operating states of the pneumatic feed andseparation system as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 during raising of thepaper stack immediately before the start of feed and separationoperation;

FIG. 6.1 to FIG. 6.5: show operating states of the pneumatic feed andseparation system as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 during separationoperation, with parameter information predetermined automatically as afunction of the paper;

FIG. 7.1 to FIG. 7.2: show operating states of the feed and separationsystem as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 during feed operation with parameterinformation predetermined automatically as a function of the paper.

As a system illustration, FIG. 1 shows, systematically, a pneumatic feedand separation system 1 for flat substrates 3, in the present case forpapers, in a stack 5. The system 1 has a rear edge separating apparatus10 for separation of a top paper 3 from the stack 5 in the area of therear edge 9 of the stack 5 in the transport direction 7. The system alsohas a transport apparatus 20 for the top substrate 3, in the area of thefront edge 8 of the stack 5 in the transport direction 7.

The rear edge separating apparatus 10 will be described in more detailin conjunction with the following figures. The transport apparatus 20 inthe present case has a suction drum 21 (which is driven by a steppingmotor which is not illustrated in any more detail) as well as extractionrollers 23. The system 1 furthermore has a control unit 30. This is ablein particular to control the motor system and the pneumatic system ofthe rear edge separating apparatus 10, and of the transport apparatus20, via a control bus 40. In order to control the pneumatic system, thecontrol unit 30 is also connected via the control bus 40 to a pressureand vacuum unit 50. In the present case, the lifting table 60 can alsobe caused to raise and lower the stack 5, via a lifting table motor 61,via the control unit 30 and by means of the control bus 40. The controlunit 30 is also connected to an external operator unit 31 and/or to aninternal operator unit 33. The operator units 31, 33 allow parameterinformation for adjustment of the system 1 to be selected and displayedvia a mask 35 which is provided by an appropriate computer program.Details about the paper characteristic are already known to the system1. A user can use the selection mask 35 of the external control unit 31or internal control unit 33 to signal a standardized paper type to thesystem 1, for which characteristics such as weight, thickness, bendingstrength, surface roughness, area, length, width of the paper are storedin an appropriate table. Further characteristics, which are dependent onthe environment, such as the ripple, static and/or dynamic frictionvalues of the paper, can be recorded via a sensor system 70. Furthersensors, which are not shown in FIG. 1, can determine the temperature,the environmental humidity, etc. The adjustment values which correspondto a paper type or paper characteristic such as this, and toenvironmental conditions are passed to the pneumatic system and motorsystem for the system 1, that is to say the available parameterinformation is converted by the controller 30 to adjustment parametersfor the pneumatic system and/or motor system for the rear edgeseparating apparatus 10 and for the transport apparatus 20, and ispassed on via the control bus 40. The choice of a paper type and/or theview and/or statement of characteristics of the paper as well as thecurrently specified environmental characteristic can be provided by anoperator with the aid of software, using a selection mask 35, in theoperator unit 31, 33 or preferably in a computer which is connected tothe operator unit 31, 33. Transmission can take place in both directionsvia a control bus 40 to the system 1, using either serial or elseparallel transmission. Bus systems such as those which are known by thenames V24, RS424, Centronics USB, or SCSI are suitable for use for acontrol bus 40 or for other bus systems. Furthermore, the selection mask35 makes it possible to display the separation and feed status for auser in terms of feed quality, number of sheets already fed, feed rate,throughput rate and to indicate multiple insertions that have occurred,as well as further desired and expedient details. Furthermore, thesystem 1 has a number of sensors, which are not shown in any moredetail, for a sensor system 70 which is used to monitor the system 1.The system 1 is supplied with electrical power via a power supply unit80.

FIG. 2 shows the system 1 with details of the rear edge separatingapparatus 10, with symbols as in FIG. 1 and the same reference symbolsbeing used for the other parts of the system 1. The rear edge separatingapparatus 10 has an automatically controllable separating pneumaticsystem with a compressed-air-based separating unit, in the present casewith a plurality of loosening nozzles 11A and a plurality of separatingnozzles 11B. Furthermore, the automatically controllable separatingpneumatic system has a suction-air-based separating unit with aplurality of suction caps 12. The rear edge separating apparatus 10 alsohas a controllable separating mechanism which, in the present case, isin the form of a leaf spring 13. This is used to restrain papers underthe top paper 3. The nozzles 11A, 11B, like the suction cup 12 and thesuction drum 21, are connected via a valve arrangement 51 with valves51A and 51B to the reduced-pressure generator 57 for the vacuum andpressure production unit 50. In a corresponding manner, flexible suctiontubes 15, 27 are passed to the suction cup 12 (also referred toalternatively as a suction cup) or suction drum 21, and a flexiblepressure tube 14 is passed to the nozzles 11A, 11B. The electromagnet 56is in this case used as a general means for switching on suction air forthe suction cup 12. When the vacuum and compressed-air unit 50 isswitched on, the compressed air is available immediately via thecompressor 53. The suction air can be switched on or off by means of theelectromagnet (switch) 56. As soon as suction air is switched on—in thepresent embodiment by disconnection of the electromagnet 56—the suctionair can be passed by the electromagnet 55 either to the suction cap 72or to the suction drum 21.

Furthermore, the rear edge separating apparatus 10 has an automaticallyadjustable and controllable separating motor system, with the motor 16Abeing used for adjustment and readjustment of the amount of air to theloosening nozzles, the motor 16B being used for adjustment andreadjustment of the amount of air to the separating nozzle. The heightposition of the loosening nozzle 11A can be adjusted and readjusted viaa further motor—not illustrated here. The automatically controllableseparating motor system also has a motor 17 for horizontal movement anda motor 18 for vertical movement of the entire rear edge separatingapparatus 10, and these act via a suitable linkage 19. The horizontalmovement process can be carried out via a toothed rod, via a belt driveor via a cable run.

In the present case, the rear edge separating unit 10 has acompressed-air-based separating unit with one or more loosening nozzles11A and one or more separating nozzles 11B, in the present case oneseparating nozzle 11B. The loosening nozzles 11A are designed to loosenapproximately 2 to about 30 sheets in the top part of the stack 5, andare based on an air-powered nozzle mechanism in order to reduce orcancel out the adhesion and friction of the top sheets. These can stickto one another by gravitation and/or static charging, which can occurduring the separating process.

Furthermore, a suction cup mechanism 12 is provided which is controlledby reduced pressure in the feed cycle and first of all sucks up thesheet 3 which is underneath it, and is therefore the top sheet 3, in thestack 5, and is then drawn back with this suction resistance into theguide in the suction cup plunger, damped by a compression spring, withthe top sheet 3 then being raised through about 5 to about 20 mm.

Furthermore, the rear edge separating apparatus 10 has separation,provided by means of a leaf spring 13, of the top sheet 3 at the rearedge 9 from the next sheet, with the fingers of the leaf spring 13,which rest on the rear edge of the top sheet 3 before the suctionprocess, sliding off the rear edge of the next sheet while the top sheetis being lifted off the stack 5, in order to restrain this next sheettogether with the sheets located underneath it.

Furthermore, the rear edge separating apparatus 10 has a separatingnozzle, which is placed centrally between the loosening nozzles 11A, inorder to produce an air cushion between the top sheet 3 and the sheetsunderneath it.

The horizontal and vertical drive 17, 18 for the rear edge separatingmodule 10 is provided in order to position the rear edge separatingmodule 10 relative to the stack 5.

The sheet removal and transport device 20 comprises a suction drum 21which is driven by a stepping motor 22, is at a fixed height and isarranged centrally above the sheet front edge 8. The top sheet 3 issucked up from the stack 5 against the lower face of the drum 21 byreduced pressure, which is applied via the arrangement of suctionnozzles on the drum lower face 21, and is held continuously at thisheight. This sheet is conveyed tangentially in the direction 7 of theexit rollers 23 by the force of the reduced pressure and the friction ofat least two friction belts, which revolve on the drum 21, with the aircushion that is produced by the separating nozzle 11B between the topsheet 3 and the next sheet first of all raising this sheet above theseparating sheet 25, furthermore ensuring minimal frictional resistancebetween the sheets, and thus allowing sheet movement with only a smallamount of slip with respect to the suction wheel circumferential speed.

As part of a sensor system 70, distances between the rear edgeseparating apparatus 10 and the stack 5 are detected via a sensor 71 forindication of the top distance and a sensor 73 for indication of alateral distance. The sensor 75 records the distance between the stack 5and the suction roller 21.

FIG. 3 shows the pneumatic feed and separation system 1 from FIG. 2 inthe form of a plan view, using identical reference symbols and symbolsfor the same parts in the system 1. In addition to the height sensor 71,a lateral distance sensor 72A is also provided for the paper stack 5 aspart of the sensor system 70. The lateral distance and thus the paperwidth can be measured via a linear resistance of the distance sensor72A, associated with the paper width adjuster 72B. Part of the sensorsystem 70 is also a weight-loaded stack height sensor 71, which has acounterweight on the other side, symmetrically with respect to thesheet, above a lever 74 which rests on the sheet 3.

The throughput of the system 1 can be monitored by a paper path sensor76 and a sensor 77 which records multiple inputs. The output roller unit23 accepts the sheet 3 transported over the suction wheel 21 in aconstant manner or on a sensor-controlled basis, with this sheet 3 beingguided in the transport direction 7 if required obliquely and/or with anoffset over further roller pairs (not illustrated here) to the outputinto the device for processing the paper further, for example aprinting, copying or scanning device, which will not be described in anymore detail here.

The multiple sheet input sensor 77 (also referred to as a multipicksensor) is fitted behind the output rollers 23 and is able to identify amultiple input, either as an ultrasound detector or as a thicknesssensor, with the aid of strain gauges. Depending on the chosen settingof the operator unit, this can immediately stop the rest of theseparation process and/or can signal this to the user via the operatorunit 31.

The pressure production and vacuum unit 50 has a compressor 53 and/or areduced-pressure generator 57 in order to produce compressed air for therear nozzles 11A, 11B. A reduced-pressure generator 57 for suction airis coupled to the compressor 53 and can be switched on or off via theelectromagnet 56.

When the suction air is switched on, this air can be passed either tothe suction cup 12 or to the suction drum 21 alternately via the valvearrangement 51 with the aid of the further electromagnet 55.

Part of the motor system for the transport apparatus 20 is the motor22—for the suction roller and the motor 24 for the output rollers23—both of which are preferably in the form of stepping motors.

At the output of the system 1, a separating wall 25 and an output paperguide 26 assist further transportation of the top paper 3.

The system 1 rests on a base plate 2. The base plate 2 supports thesystem 1 which, apart from this, is held in a frame 4.

The process of loading the system 1 to the start of the automatedraising of the stack 5 is illustrated in FIG. 4.1 to FIG. 4.6. FIG. 4.1shows the system 1 with the lifting table 60 empty. The rear edgeseparating apparatus 10 is in an initial position. The sensors of thesensor system 70 are in a neutral position.

In principle, a new paper type is selected on the operator unit 31. Theprevious paper type may, for example, be confirmed. After this, acontrol knob is operated on the drawer 6. The lifting table 60 movesdownwards and unlocks the lock for pulling out. The rear edge separatingunit 10 moves horizontally to the rear initial position, and verticallyto the initial position, that is to say the uppermost possible position.

When a signal lamp on the drawer 6 illuminates, the drawer can be pulledout as far as the stop. The paper width adjuster 72B can be opened whenthe intention is to use wider paper than in the past. After insertion of10 to 15 sheets and before the entire supply container is filled, themanual paper adjuster is moved in to be flush with the width of thesheet thus also resulting—by mechanical coupling in the present case—inthe further side stops 72 of the stack side holder moving together. Thisis intended to ensure that the paper does not bulge upwards. The paperwidth is in this case automatically detected by the distance sensor 72Aadjacent to the paper width adjuster 72B of the stack side holder. Thedistance sensor 72A of the sensor system 70 is able via an associatedlinear electrical resistance, as explained above, to indicate the widthof a paper 3 by moving against the paper stack 5, manually orautomatically. This distance sensor 72A is in the form of an electricalslide resistance for paper-width measurement, and is fitted in the baseplate of the lifting table 60, parallel to the stack width adjuster 72B.The side stop for the paper width adjuster 72B is operated manually,while the other three side stops 72 are readjusted automatically. Thepaper sheet width is detected automatically by the above-mentionedresistance slide, which is mechanically coupled to the movement path ofthe side stop 72B and indirectly measures the paper sheet width via theresistance.

When the system 1 is in the state shown in FIG. 4.2, the paper sheetwidth is therefore already known. The paper container in the drawer 6 isthen completely filled. All of the papers in the stack 5 should restclosely against the separating wall 25 in the drawer 6. In this case,the maximum permissible paper stack height is monitored via a markingand, if necessary, excess inserted paper is removed again.

FIG. 4.2 shows the system 1 with the drawer 6 extended and with a paperpart stack 5′ placed on the lifting table 60. After being filledcompletely, the drawer 6 is pushed in again, and is lockedautomatically. FIG. 4.3 shows the system 1 with the drawer 6 pushed in.

FIG. 4.4 shows the system 1 in the state from FIG. 4.1, but on thisoccasion the paper part stack 5′ is filled.

FIG. 4.5 shows a situation in which an upper paper stack 5″ is alignedmanually with respect to the already mentioned separating wall 25,matching a lower paper stack 5″, in order to ensure that the rear edge 9and the front edge 8 of the paper stack 5 have a uniform profile, as isillustrated in FIG. 4.6. In the form shown there, the system 1 is ready,is booted and/or is started, that is to say can be set for operation inan automated form.

FIG. 5.1 to FIG. 5.3 show the automatic raising of the lifting table 60in the pneumatic feed and separation system 1.

FIG. 5.1 shows the paper stack 5 being moved up until the distancesensor 75 which is associated with the transport apparatus 20 makescontact. The paper stack 5 is raised via the lifting table 60, which isdriven by a motor 61. The motor 61 has an encoder disk and is controlledby sensors which are able to raise the paper stack 5 in steps of 0.5 mmup to a height which is above the stop position of the distance sensor75. The lifting table 60 raises the paper stack 5 automatically to thelower face of the suction wheel 21. The distance sensor 75 is in theform of an opto-sensor and is set such that, depending on the chosensubstrate, it stops the lifting table motor 61 when the distance betweenthe top sheet 3 in the stack 5 between the suction wheel lower face isabout 11 mm to 5 mm.

With reference to the operating states illustrated in FIG. 5.1 to 5.3,the rear edge separating apparatus 10 is moved to an initial positionwhich is partially sensor-controlled and is partially predetermined bythe parameter information for the controller 30. As explained, thecontroller 30 receives substrate-specific adjustment parameters for thepneumatic system and the motor system, which are stored as a tablethere, in a memory area. As shown in FIG. 5.2, this is movedhorizontally from the initial position in the direction of the rear edge9 of the paper stack 5. The horizontal movement of the rear edgeseparating apparatus 10 is stopped by operation of the distance sensor73. The number of steps which are carried out for horizontal movement bythe motor 17, which is in the form of a stepping motor, is a measure ofthe paper length. The data relating to the paper length and width isrecorded by the controller 30. FIG. 5.2 accordingly shows the system 1having an operating state in which the rear edge separating apparatus 10is moved by means of the motor 17 for horizontal movement until thedistance sensor 73 comes into contact with the rear edge 9 of the paperstack 5.

After this, the horizontal movement process as shown in FIG. 5.3 isslowed down by the motor 17 until the distance sensor 73 stops the motor17 at a second stop point, governed by the controller 30.

FIG. 6.1 to FIG. 6.5.1 show the system in operating states which occuras a function of the parameter information which is predetermined by thecontroller 30.

As shown in FIG. 6.1, the upper distance between a top substrate 3 and atransport apparatus 20 is predetermined and automatically adjusted as afunction of the substrate. The distance is monitored by sensors, and canalso be readjusted.

FIG. 6.1 shows the system 1 in an operating state in which the liftingtable 60 has been raised once again, to be precise until the distancesensor 71 makes contact relative to a null position, which ispredetermined by the distance sensor 75. This means that the heightposition, as illustrated in FIG. 6.1, of the top sheet 3 is determinedrelative to the suction roller 21 in the form of encoder steps of thelifting table motor 61, on the basis of the signal from the distancesensor 75.

As shown in FIG. 6.2, the upper distance between a top substrate 3 and arear edge apparatus 10 is predetermined and automatically adjusted as afunction of the substrate. The distance is monitored by sensors and canalso be readjusted.

The height position, as illustrated in FIG. 6.2, of the top sheet 3 isdetermined relative to the suction cup 12 via the steps of the motor 18,which is in the form of a stepping motor, for the height position of therear edge separating apparatus 10. Furthermore, the suction force isadjusted for vertical raising of the top sheet 3. Alternatively oradditionally, an airflow rate can also be applied to the suction cup 12by means of the vacuum pressure unit 50. Fundamentally, in thisembodiment, the distance of the suction cup 12 and the distance of thesuction wheel 21 from the paper surface of the top sheet 3 arepredetermined by the controller 30 as a function of the paper type, andare monitored by the distance sensors 71, 75, that is to say the entirerear edge separating apparatus 10, and therefore the suction cup 12moves as a function of the paper type to a distance of2 to 7 mm from thepaper surface of the top sheet 3. This distance is recorded accuratelyvia the distance sensor 71, which is in the form of an incrementalencoder.

Furthermore, the vertical position of the loosening nozzles 11A for thetop 8 to 15 sheets is predetermined via the number of steps of the motor16A for the loosening nozzle 11A as a function of the paper type, thatis to say the vertical sheet position is predetermined by the controller30 as a function of the paper type.

As shown in FIG. 6.3, the airflow rate of a compressed-air-basedseparating unit is predetermined and automatically adjusted as afunction of the substrate. The airflow rate is monitored by sensors, andcan also be readjusted.

As shown in FIG. 6.3, overcoming the adhesion between the top 8 to 30sheets is controlled via the controller 30 via the amount of compressedair to the loosening nozzles 11A in order to loosen these sheets. In thepresent case, this is done via the motor 16A, which uses a mechanicalslide to control the amount of air to the loosening nozzles 11A, whilein the present case it is also possible to do this by controlling thecompressor 53. Both are done via the controller 30.

As shown in FIG. 6.4, the airflow rate of a compressed-air-basedseparating unit is predetermined and automatically adjusted as afunction of the substrate. The airflow rate is adjusted, monitored bysensors, and can also be readjusted. The airflow rate is monitored bysensors and can also be readjusted.

The operating state shown in FIG. 6.4 illustrates flat separation of thetop sheet 3 from the next sheet on the basis of an amount of compressedair which is predetermined by the controller 30 and is dependent of thepaper type for the separating nozzle 11B. This can in turn be done bydriving the compressor 53, but preferably by adjustment, controlled bythe motor 16B, of a mechanical slide for the separating nozzle 11B.

As shown in FIG. 6.4.1 and FIG. 6.4.2, the lateral distance between aseparating mechanism in the form of a spring 13 with a restraintfunction for substrates under the top substrate 3 and a rear edge 9 ofthe stack 5 is predetermined and automatically adjusted as a function ofthe substrate. The distance is monitored by sensors, and can also bereadjusted.

The restraint force for the next sheet is predetermined by thecontroller 30 as a function of the paper type by means of the spring 13.This is done by the length of the separating spring fingers entering thepaper surface with respect to the rear edge 9 of the stack 5. This isachieved via the actuating motor 13′, which is illustrated in FIG.6.4.1(a), (b), (c) and FIG. 6.4.2(a), (b). As can be seen in FIG.6.4.2(a), (b) the fingers of the spring 13 rest with their tips 13A, 13Bon the outer edge of the upper sheet 3. The motor 13′ acts on a springholder 13″, which can position the spring 13 at a greater or lesserdepth towards the rear edge a. Furthermore, the spring 13 is providedwith a strain gauge 13′″.

The lower FIG. 6.4.2(b) is varied in FIG. 6.4.1(a) to 6.4.1(c). Whilethe air pressure from the nozzle forces the upper paper 3 away, asillustrated in FIG. 6.4.1(b), the spring 13 holds the next sheet in itsposition. As illustrated in FIG. 6.4.1(b), the next sheet also remainsin its position when the suction cup 12 raises the upper sheet 3. If thetips 13A, 13B of the fingers of the spring 13 are raised excessively—ascan occur as a result of an excessively high air pressure or anexcessively low penetration depth of the spring 13—there is a risk ofmultiple insertions. In this case, it can be expected that the nextsheet will also be raised above the tips 13A, 13B of the fingers. As isshown in FIG. 6.4.1(c), this can be avoided by means of a strain gauge13′″ for an evaluation unit associated therewith, by means of which thebending force of the spring 13 can be measured and can be signaled tothe controller 30. This strain gauge 13′″ passes the strain on thespring 13 as a voltage level via a measurement amplifier (integrated inthe controller 30) to an analog/digital converter (likewise integratedin the controller 30), which makes these signals available to thecontroller.

If a voltage level is overshot or undershot during the raising of thetop paper 3 above the spring tips 13A, 13B, it is possible to determineas a function of the substrate whether the top sheet 3 is being pulledcorrectly over the spring tips 13A, 13B (stress/time diagram of thestrain gauge in FIG. 6.4.3 a) or whether this has not been done, or hasnot been done correctly, as a result of an incorrect setting.

By way of example, FIG. 6.4.3 b shows a spring setting as a stress/timediagram, in which the spring 13 extends too far into the area of the topsheet 3. This can result in the sheet not tearing off with the suctioncup 12 when it is raised, so that the spring 13 does not slide on thenext sheet, but the paper is raised with the spring 13 by the suctioncup 12.

In a situation such as this, the spring 13 can be moved back from thepaper surface by the motor 13″, which then once again leads to the topsheet 3 being pulled off as intended (FIG. 6.4.3 a).

In consequence, the air ejected from both the loosening nozzle 11A andfrom the separating nozzle 11B can be varied or, preferably, thedistance between the spring 13 and the rear edge 9 of the paper stack 5can be varied. The latter is done by means of the motor 13′. Inprinciple, the distance between the spring 13 and the rear edge 9 of thepaper stack 5 is preset by the controller 30. If the paper is relativelysoft, the spring 13 can enter the sheet area to a deeper extent, and toa shallower extent if the paper is relatively hard.

The settings which have been explained with reference to FIGS. 6.1 to6.4.2(b) are shown by way of example in Table 1 for correspondingparameter information in the form of a paper matrix for paper of aspecific type: Initial setting MRSA MRDA MRSP MRSS HAPOS 50 gsm 5 7 3 6075 60 gsm 7 10 3 70 70 80 gsm/A4 −3 10 1 55 40 120 gsm 25 35 3 55 60 135gsm 35 45 3 55 55 170 gsm 40 55 3 55 50 250 gsm −5 4 3 40 45 300 gsm 6085 3 45 40 80 gsm/A3 9 15 4 55 65 250 gsm/A3 50 65 3 47 40UnitMRSS Motor rear edge separator spring initial settingMRSA Motor rear edge separator nozzle air initial settingMRDA Motor rear edge separator divide nozzle air initial settingMRSP Motor rear edge separator side nozzle position initial settingMRHA Motor rear edge separator height adjustment initial settingHAPOS Suction cup incremental high sensor initial setting

The MRHA value in this case governs the operating state, as is shown inFIG. 6.1 and FIG. 6.2. The MRSA and MRSP value in this case governs anoperating state as is shown in FIG. 6.3. The MRDA value in this casegoverns an operating state as is shown in FIG. 6.4. The MRSS value inthis case governs an operating state as is shown in FIG. 6.4.1(a) toFIG. 6.4.2(b).

As is also shown in FIG. 6.4, the airflow rate and the reduced pressureof a suction-air-based separating unit are predetermined andautomatically adjusted as a function of the substrate. The airflow rateis automatically adjusted, monitored by sensors, and can also bereadjusted.

FIG. 6.4 also shows the top sheet 3 being lifted off via the suctioncups 12. The electromagnet 56 is deactivated for this purpose, withreduced pressure being created in the form of a chamber, in thereduced-pressure generator 57 when the compressor 50 is running. Thereduced pressure is therefore passed to the suction cups 12, with theelectromagnet 55 likewise deactivated. The reduced pressure at thesuction cups 12 draws the top sheet 3 against the suction cups 12. As aresult of the reduced pressure, the pistons 54 are drawn into theassociated suction cylinders and thus, with the aid of the suction cups12, raise the sheet 3 that has been sucked up beyond the tips 13A, 13Bof the spring 13 (FIG. 6.4.1(a) to (c)). The tips 13A, 13B of the spring13 now project, as already explained, over the rear edge 9 of the uppersheet 3, and come to rest in the same position on the second sheet. Thisprevents the second sheet and the subsequent sheets from likewise beingraised.

As the piston 54 is raised, the channelized airflow from the separatingnozzle 11B can raise the top sheet 3 into the sheet center and to thelevel of the lower face of the suction wheel 21.

The weight of the weight-loaded distance sensor 71 in the form of ananalog switch and that of the lever 74, whose function is to act as abalance weight (hold-down drag lever), ensure that, in this case, thecorners of the sheets remain together at the sheet end area, and do notbecome loose. The separating nozzle 11B, which is likewise supplied withcompressed air, acts at this time via a mechanical shutter 14, which isattached to the piston 54.

As shown in FIG. 6.5, the airflow rate of a suction-air-based transportunit is predetermined and adjusted automatically as a function of thesubstrate. A suction frame of the suction drum 21 for the top substrate3 is monitored by sensors and can also be readjusted.

FIG. 6.5 shows the switching that takes place of the suction air fromthe suction cups 12 to the suction wheel 21. This is done by activationof the electromagnet 55. The reduced pressure in the reduced-pressuregenerator 57 for the suction cups 12 is switched off via the valve 51A,while it is switched on with the opening of the valve 51B for thesuction wheel 21.

The suction cups 12 therefore no longer continue to firmly hold the topsheet 3 of the stack 5. The top sheet 3 of the stack 5 is thus drawn bythe suction air against the suction wheel 21, which is illustrated inmore detail in FIG. 6.6.1.

As shown in FIG. 7.1, the rotating suction drum 21 therefore moves thetop sheet 3 with the reduced pressure transported via the openings 28′,and via friction rings 28, as far as the first roller pair of the outputrollers 23 of the paper path. All the sheets which are subject to theairflow from the separating nozzle 11B abut against the separating wall25 and are therefore restrained, in addition to the spring 13. The drivefor the extraction rollers 23 is predetermined and automaticallyadjusted as a function of the substrate. The drive is monitored bysensors and can be automatically readjusted.

When the front edge of the first sheet 3 reaches the paper path sensor76, as shown in FIG. 7.2, in the paper path, then the valve 51 isswitched over again, by means of the controller 30, via theelectromagnet 55. The feed process can then start again, as illustratedin FIG. 6.1. In this case, it should be remembered that, after a numberof sheets corresponding to about 0.5 to 1 mm have been pulled off, thelifting table 60 is readjusted via the motor 61.

The process described above allows automatic readjustment, as required,of the following adjustment parameters, and readjustment of thecorresponding units during the feed process:

-   -   1. The automatic horizontal position readjustment of the entire        rear edge separating device 10 can be readjusted for a different        sheet length, with the aim of ensuring that the spring 13 acts        over a constant length on the sheet surface. This is        particularly relevant in the event of differences in the sheet        length for substrates composed of different paper cut batches,        when these are inserted as stack elements of different length.    -   2. Automatic readjustment of the height position and/or of the        amount of compressed air to the loosening nozzles 11A can be        carried out for a different throughput time. This may be the        case, for example, when static charging increases in a dry        environment.    -   3. Furthermore, automatic readjustment of the amount of        compressed air for the separating nozzle 11B or separating        nozzles can be carried out for increasing adhesion, which may        result from changes in the feed parameters. As can be seen, this        may be caused by a different throughput time and/or bending of        the spring 13, which can be detected via the stress signals at        the strain gauge 13′″, and/or the bending curve of the spring        13, which can be detected via the stress signals at the strain        gauge 13′″, and/or the bending curve of the spring 13, which can        be detected via the stress signals at the strain gauge 13′″.    -   4. In a corresponding manner, automatic readjustment of the        engagement depth of the separating spring 13 with the separating        fingers 13A, 13B on the top sheet 3 in the feed direction 7 is        possible if a maximum stress is exceeded at the strain gauge        13′″, for example if the spring 13 is bent excessively. Bending        of the spring 13 can be identified by an electrical voltage        potential from a strain gauge 13′″, which can be fitted to a        spring root, as shown in FIG. 6.4.2(a). Extreme spring loading        can also be compensated for by readjustment of the airflow rate        through the loosening nozzles 11A or the separating nozzle 11B.        The amount of compressed air for the separating nozzle 11B can        also be readjusted in this way.

In summary, the particularly preferred embodiment makes it possible fora controller 30 to adjust the feed system 1 depending on the paper typeused, and to operate it in an optimized manner. In order to convert asubstrate type selected by the user on the operator unit 31, electricalsetting values for the above-mentioned components of the feed system 1can be passed on via the control bus 40 as a control signal. In detail,this relates to a lifting table motor 61 as explained above, to a motor17 for the horizontal position 17 and to a motor 18 for the verticalposition of the rear edge separating unit 10, to a motor 13′ for thehorizontal position of the spring 13, to a motor for controlling theamount of air for the loosening nozzles 11A, to a motor for the amountof air for the separating nozzle 11B, to a motor 16A, 16B for the heightposition of the loosening nozzle 11A, and of the separating nozzle 11B.

Furthermore, the controller 30 allows specific application of thesuction air via the electromagnet 56, deflection of this suction air viathe electromagnet 55 either to the suction cups 12 or to the suctionwheel 21, with this being done using the valves 51A and 51B, which canbe switched alternately.

The controller 30 is designed to accept and process sensor signals fromthe sensor system 70, in particular the distance sensor 75 for a heightat the suction drum of the distance sensor 71 for a height at the rearedge separating apparatus 10, the paper path sensor 76 at the output ofthe paper path, the strain gauge 13′″ at the spring 13, and the sensor77, which is in the form of a multipick sensor.

The controller 30 is also designed to control the amount of compressedair for the rear separating nozzle 11B, to apply the suction air to thesuction cup 12 or the suction wheel 21, and to switch the suction airfrom the suction cup 12 to the suction wheel 21.

The controller 30 is designed to accept and interpret the status datafrom the sensor system 70 and to pass on feed-relevant data to theexternal operator unit 31, or to an internal operator unit 33.

In summary, the invention relates to a pneumatic feed and separationsystem 1 for flat substrates such as papers and the like in a stack 5,and to a corresponding method. The system 1 has: a rear edge separatingapparatus 10 for separation of a top substrate 3 from the stack 5 in thearea of the rear edge 9 of the stack 5 in the transport direction 7; atransport apparatus 20 for the top substrate 3 in the area of the frontedge 8 of the stack 5 in the transport direction 7; and a control unit30. In order to ensure automatic adjustment of the system 1, inparticular automatically optimized operation of the system 1, theinvention provides that the rear edge apparatus 10 and/or the transportapparatus 20 comprise/comprises an automatically controllable pneumaticsystem—in particular with a compressed-air-based separating unit and asuction-air-based separating unit, in particular an automaticallycontrollable separating mechanism with a restraint function forsubstrates below the top substrate 3, in particular a suction-air-basedtransport unit—and an automatically controllable motor system. Thecontrol unit 30 is designed for automatic presetting ofsubstrate-dependent parameter information—in particular at least for thecompressed-air-based separating unit, for the suction-air-basedseparating unit, for the separating mechanism, for the separating motorsystem and for the transport unit—and the associated pneumatic systemand/or motor system are/is designed for automatic adjustment thereof onthe basis of the parameter information.

1-39. (canceled)
 40. Pneumatic feed and separation system for flatsubstrates in a stack having: a rear edge separating apparatus forseparation of a top substrate from the stack in an area of a rear edgeof the stack in a transport direction; a transport apparatus for the topsubstrate in an area of a front edge of the stack in the transportdirection; a control unit; at least one of the rear edge separatingapparatus and the transport apparatus comprising an automaticallycontrollable pneumatic system and an automatically controllable motorsystem; and the control unit being configured for automatic presettingof substrate-dependent parameter information for the pneumatic systemand the motor system, and being configured for automatic adjustment on abasis of the parameter information.
 41. Feed and separation systemaccording to claim 40, wherein the automatically controllable pneumaticsystem has an automatically controllable separating pneumatic systemwith a compressed-air-based separating unit and a suction-air-basedseparating unit, and at least one of said units being controlledautomatically.
 42. Feed and separation system according to claim 40,wherein the rear edge separating apparatus has an automaticallycontrollable separating mechanism with a restraint function forsubstrates below the top substrate.
 43. Feed and separation systemaccording to claim 40, wherein the automatically controllable pneumaticsystem has an automatically controllable transport pneumatic systemcomprising an automatically controllable, suction-air-based transportunit.
 44. Feed and separation system according to claim 43, wherein thecontrol unit is configured for automatic presetting ofsubstrate-dependent parameter information for at least one of thecompressed-air-based separating unit, the suction-air-based separatingunit, the separating mechanism, and the suction-air-based transportunit.
 45. Feed and separation system according to claim 44, wherein themotor system has a plurality of motors, with each said motor beingassociated with at least one of the compressed-air-based separatingunit, the suction-air-based separating unit, the separating mechanism,and the suction-air-based transport unit.
 46. Feed and separation systemaccording to claim 40, having at least one of a suction-air-basedtransport unit, a suction drum, and a transport motor system for the topsubstrate.
 47. Feed and separation system according to claim 41, whereinthe compressed-air-based separating unit has at least one looseningnozzle and/or at least one separating nozzle.
 48. Feed and separationsystem according to claim 41, wherein the suction-air-based separatingunit has at least one suction cup.
 49. Feed and separation systemaccording to claim 40, wherein the separating apparatus has a restraintfunction and has at least one sprung separating element comprising aleaf spring with strain gauges.
 50. Feed and separation system accordingto claim 40, wherein the stack is arranged on a lifting table.
 51. Feedand separation system according to claim 41, further comprising acontrol bus, which is connected to the control unit, for transmission ofthe parameter information for automatic adjustment at least to thecompressed-air-based separating unit, to the suction-air-basedseparating unit, to a separating mechanism and to a separating motorsystem.
 52. Feed and separation system according to claim 40, whereinthe parameter information is stored in a variable form in a memorymodule.
 53. Feed and separation system according to claim 40, furthercomprising an operator unit connected to the control unit for selectionand/or variation of at least one of a substrate type and the parameterinformation.
 54. Feed and separation system according to claim 40,further comprising a monitoring sensor system connected to the controlunit for monitoring at least one of the feed operation, the separationoperation, and performance.
 55. Feed and separation system according toclaim 40, wherein the substrate-dependent parameter information is basedon the substrate type.
 56. Feed and separation system according to claim40, wherein the substrate-dependent parameter information is based on atleast one substrate characteristic selected from the group consistingof: weight, thickness, bending strength, surface roughness, ripple,static friction values, dynamic friction values, length, width,temperature, moisture.
 57. Feed and separation system according to claim56, further comprising a sensor system for recording said at least onecharacteristic.
 58. Feed and separation system according to claim 41,wherein the parameter information comprises adjustment parameters whichare selected from the group consisting of: airflow rate and/or distancebetween the compressed-air-based separating unit and the stack; airflowrate and/or distance between the suction-air-based separating unit andthe stack; and distance between a separating mechanism and the stack.59. Feed and separation system according to claim 40, wherein theparameter information comprises adjustment parameters, which areselected from the group consisting of: height of a lifting table;distance between the rear edge separating apparatus and the stack; anddistance between a stack side holder and the stack.
 60. Feed andseparation system according to claim 58, further comprising a sensorsystem for recording at least one adjustment parameters.
 61. Feed andseparation system according to claim 40, further comprising a regulationmodule connected to the control unit for demand-dependent adaptation ofthe parameter information and/or a readjustment of adjustment parametersbefore and/or during feed and/or separation operation.
 62. Substratehandling system comprising a copying and/or printing and/or scanningsystem and/or deformation system, having a feed and separation systemaccording to claim
 40. 63. Method for pneumatic feeding and separationof flat substrates from a stack using a pneumatic feed and separationsystem, comprising: separating a top substrate from the stack in an areaof a rear edge of the stack in a transport direction; and transportingthe top substrate in an area of a front edge of the stack in thetransport direction, wherein the top substrate is separated and/ortransported pneumatically, and carrying out the separation and/ortransportation of the top substrate automatically and by motor control,with substrate-dependent parameter information being predetermined atleast for the pneumatic separation, and automatically adjusting thepneumatic feed and separation system by the motor control on the basisof the parameter information.
 64. Method according to claim 63, whereinthe separating step comprises separating the top substrate on the basisof compressed air and/or suction air, with at least one separating stepbeing preset and being carried out automatically and with the motorcontrol.
 65. Method according to claim 63, further comprising duringseparation, restraining substrates below the top substrate that havebeen adjusted automatically and by the motor control with saidrestraining being readjusted automatically and by the motor control. 66.Method according to claim 63, further comprising automaticallydetermining at least one substrate characteristic selected from thegroup consisting of length, width, temperature, moisture, ripple, staticfriction values, dynamic friction values.
 67. Method according to claim63, further comprising predetermining and automatically adjusting anupper distance between the top substrate and a transport apparatus as afunction of the substrate by raising the stack and monitoring bysensors.
 68. Method according to claim 63, further comprisingpredetermining and automatically adjusting an upper distance between thetop substrate and a rear edge separating apparatus as a function of thesubstrate by lowering of the rear edge separating apparatus andmonitoring by sensors.
 69. Method according to claim 63, furthercomprising predetermining and automatically adjusting an airflow rate ofa compressed-air-based separating unit as a function of the substrateand monitoring the airflow rate passing through a loosening nozzle bysensors.
 70. Method according to claim 63, further comprisingpredetermining and automatically adjusting a lateral distance between aseparating mechanism in the form of a spring with a restraint functionfor substrates under the top substrate, and a rear edge of the stack asa function of the substrate as monitored by sensors using a strain gaugeand by spacing of the spring.
 71. Method according to claim 63, furthercomprising predetermining and automatically adjusting an airflow rate ofa compressed-air-based separating unit as a function of the substratewith the airflow rate flowing through a separating nozzle beingmonitored by sensors.
 72. Method according to claim 63, furthercomprising predetermining and automatically adjusting an airflow rate ofa suction-air-based separating unit as a function of the substrate withthe airflow rate of a suction cup being adjusted and/or readjustedautomatically and monitored by sensors.
 73. Method according to claim63, further comprising predetermining and automatically adjusting anairflow rate of a suction-air-based transport unit as a function of thesubstrate with a suction vacuum of a suction drum for the top substratebeing adjusted and/or readjusted automatically and being monitored bysensors.
 74. Method according to claim 63, further comprisingpredetermining and automatically adjusting a drive for a mechanicaltransport unit is as a function of the substrate, with a drive forextraction rollers being adjusted and/or readjusted automatically andbeing monitored by sensors.
 75. Method according to claim 63, furthercomprising during feed and/or separation operation, automaticallyadapting the parameter information as required, and/or automaticallyreadjusting adjustment parameters at least for a compressed-air-basedseparating unit, for a suction-air-based separating unit, for aseparating mechanism and for a separating motor system.
 76. Methodaccording to claim 75, further comprising automatically readjusting alateral distance between the separating mechanism and a rear edge of thestack and/or an airflow rate of the compressed-air-based separating unitby being matched to one another on the basis of sensor monitoring of theseparating mechanism.
 77. Computer program product having at least oneprogram module by means of which a pneumatic feed and separation systemcan be caused to carry out a method according to claim
 63. 78. Memorymedium having a computer program product having at least one programmodule by means of which a pneumatic feed and separation system can becaused to carry out a method according to claim 63.